LABD vs QQQ
Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bear 3X ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Which is better, LABD or QQQ?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.54, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LABD | QQQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.07% | 0.18%Best |
| AUM | $82M | $483.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 6.36% | 0.44% |
| Holdings | 10 | 107 |
| YTD Return | -65.15% | +17.95%Best |
| 1Y Return | -83.44% | +21.77%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -64.94% | +25.63%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -47.37% | +15.24%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 87.2% | 18.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -35.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $404 | $20,324Best |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | May 28, 2015 | Mar 10, 1999 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: May 28, 2015 to Sep 18, 2026 (11.3 years).
LABD vs QQQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 11.3 years both funds cover.
LABD vs QQQ Performance
Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bear 3X ETF (LABD) is an ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year LABD returned -83.44% while QQQ returned +21.77%. Year to date, LABD is down 65.15% versus a gain of 17.95% for QQQ.
Over three years, LABD compounded at -64.94% per year against +25.63% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are -47.37% and +15.24% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +18.36% annualized vs -55.67%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LABD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 87.2% compared with 18.9% for QQQ. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.54. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LABD charges 1.07% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $107 vs $18 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LABD currently yields 6.36% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 3 holdings in LABD and 102 in QQQ, totalling 89.6% and 99.9% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 3 positions we hold weights for in LABD and 102 in QQQ, against full books of 10 and 107.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of LABD and QQQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LABD or QQQ?
LABD has an expense ratio of 1.07% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option, by $89 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, LABD or QQQ?
Over the past year LABD returned -83.44% vs +21.77% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), LABD annualized -55.67% vs +18.36% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, LABD or QQQ?
LABD has been the more volatile fund at 87.2% annualized versus 18.9% for QQQ.
Should I hold both LABD and QQQ?
LABD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of -0.54, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, LABD or QQQ?
LABD yields 6.36% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so LABD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is QQQ better than LABD?
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.54, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.